1st Place: Phillips Farm Family
2nd Place: Chatham Municipal Airport
3rd Place: Chatham Marconi Maritime Center / Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum
Best Youth Entry u18: Proulx-Lynch Family
Most Patriotic Entry: Muto Construction
Funniest Entry: Candy Cane Pogo Dave
Best Family Entry: Magner Family
Best Civic Entry: Witches On the Water
Best Business Entry: The Grateful Mug

Thank you for your help! We really appreciate it. Please mark your calendar and attend the Wednesday July 1st 7 pm organization meeting at the Chatham Community Center in the Conference Room.

This year’s parade theme, “Anchored in Freedom: Timeless Tides & Traditions” finds its perfect representation in Sgt. Zippo. His life is a testament to the extraordinary tradition of service—both to his country on the world stage and to his family right here on the Cape. Serving with the Army’s legendary First Infantry Division in Germany during World War II, Sgt. Zippo’s military service took a historic turn when, instead of being sent home, he was assigned as a guard for the Nuremberg trials. In that role, he famously stood watch over the imprisoned architects of the Third Reich.

Yet, for all his historic military exploits, John often notes that his survival in the war was a blessing meant for a higher purpose closer to home. After returning from Europe, John made a life for his family and eventually came to Chatham and became a fiercely dedicated caregiver to his special-needs son—a role he fulfilled with the same quiet strength and loyalty he gave to his country.

“Sgt. John Zippo represents the very best of the Greatest Generation,” said the Parade Committee. “His bravery in uniform is matched only by his kindness as a neighbor and his devotion as a father. We are profoundly humbled to have him lead our parade.”

Please join us in celebrating and thanking Sgt. John Zippo for his lifetime of service, sacrifice, and love for our community.

Friday June 26th from 4 pm – 6 pm

Saturday June 27th from 9 am – 1 pm

Please make every effort to pick up your packet during one of these times. If you cannot, you must check in with a Parade Monitor stationed at the Chatham Town Fish Pier by 8:30am prior to positioning on Shore Road on the morning of July 4th. 

EARLY PACKET PICK UP:

Friday June 26th from 4 pm – 6 pm

Saturday June 27th from 9 am – 1 pm

Please make every effort to pick up your packet during one of these times.

The parade route finishes at the intersection of Crowell Road and Lake Street.

Chatham’s Independence Day Parade will once again step off from Shore Road on the morning of Saturday, July 4th but with two important changes this year!

1. The parade start time has been moved up to 9:00 a.m.

2. There will be no parking allowed within the parade route on either side of Main Street.

The parking ban will go into effect at 2:00 a.m. Any vehicles parked within the parade route will be towed at the owner’s expense. At 2:30 a.m. chairs, etc. can be placed along the parade route in marked streetside parking areas. Anything placed prior to 2:30 a.m. will be removed. The Town is not responsible for anything left on Main Street.

Shore Road closes at 7:00 a.m. with access for parade participants and local traffic only. Downtown road closures (Main Street from rotary to Shore Road and side roads) will begin at 7:30 a.m. At 8:00 a.m. Main Street (downtown) closes from Crowell Road/Queen Anne Road intersection.

An accessible viewing area will be located at the Department of Public Works for those with mobility issues. Registration is required by June 26th as space may be limited. Please call 508-945-1886 to register. Bring your own chair!

As a special offering for the nation’s 250th, Chatham TV will be live streaming the event from the east end of Main Street at the Eldredge Garage Parking lot. Hop online to www.youtube.com/@chathammagovtv and enjoy!

Pre-Event Timeline from the Chatham Police Department

7/4/23 2:30 AM Parking restrictions go into effect.
– No Parking – Tow zone – Main St from the Rotary to Shore Rd.
– No Parking – Tow zone – Main St from the Rotary Seaview St.
– No Parking – Tow zone – Main St. from Tale of the Cod to Shore Rd.
– No Parking – Tow zone – Crowell Rd to Tip Cart
– No Parking – Tow zone – Hitching Post, Tip Cart, Depot Rd.
– After 2:30 am, chairs etc. can be placed on Main St. in the downtown area in the marked streetside parking areas. Anything placed prior to 2:30 am will be removed. The Town is not responsible for anything left on Main St.

7/4/23 7:00 AM Shore Rd. closed, only parade and local traffic allowed.
– Shore Rd. will be made one-way going south at 7:00 AM to allow for parade participants to line up and prepare. Officers will be in place to assist.

7/4/23 7:30 AM Main St. (downtown) from the Rotary to Shore Rd. will be closed to vehicle traffic.

7/4/23 8:00 AM Main St. from the Rotary to Crowell Rd. closes to all traffic
7/4/23 9:00 AM Parade starts

Every great parade needs a leader, but this year’s Grand Marshal will lead the most significant and historical procession in a generation. We aren’t just looking for a name; we’re looking for a pillar of the community—a year-round or summer resident whose contributions have left a lasting mark on our town.

Whether they’re a quiet hero behind the scenes, or a familiar face of local service, they deserve the seat of honor (and the best view in the house) at the front of the line. Help us give them the “thank you” they deserve and our parade, the leader we deserve!

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR ENTRANTS – PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY

Prior to July 4 (application process):  
● Applications must be submitted no later than June 15, 2026 by visiting our website at www.chathamparade.com and completing the online application form.
● Applications will be reviewed by the Parade Committee and an email confirmation will be sent to all applicants by June 20.
● Email any questions to chathamparade@gmail.com.
● An entrants’ position number in the parade will be assigned and listed on the Independence Day Parade Committee website (www.chathamparade.com) after June 15 and appear in the late June issue of the Cape Cod Chronicle. (Entry registration dates do not factor into planning the parade order.)
● Prior to parade day, entrants are strongly encouraged to check-in and pick up their parade packs at the Chatham Police Department at 249 George Ryder Road on the following days/times:
● Friday June 26th from 4 pm – 6 pm
● Saturday June 27th from 9 am – 1 pm

Please make every effort to pick up your packet during one of these times.

The link to the form is at the bottom of this page- please read all of the important entrant information!

Entry form must be filled out completely for the application to be accepted. Please email any questions to chathamparade@gmail.com.

Applications received after the June 15, 2026 deadline may NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Rules for Participation developed in conjunction with the Chatham Police Department

Not following these rules will jeopardize your participation in future parades 

• Throwing or passing ANY item from a car/truck/trailer to the crowd, (including candy, frisbees, beachballs or flyers) is strictly prohibited. This creates a serious safety hazard for both participants and spectators alike! Handing (not throwing) small items such as small candy and small toys by walkers on the edge of the parade route is acceptable.

• No float apparatus or act can exceed 14 feet in height from street level and width must not exceed 8 feet.
• All Entries and displays must be free from images reflecting cruelty, denigration or abuse to persons or groups, because of race, creed, gender or economic status.
• Emergency vehicles must be given the right of way at all times.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited while in line before the start of and during the parade. 
• The use of helium balloons is discouraged as they pose a serious threat to wildlife in the area.
• Do not stop to disembark participants after you cross the finish line! Follow police and parade marshals’ instructions for exiting the parade after reaching the finish line. Please Do Not Stop At The Finish Line. The finish line has been moved to Lake St for this year’s parade.

These rules are for the safety of everyone. Not following them will jeopardize your participation in future parades.

This Year’s Parade Route

Parade Day Logistics:

• The parade begins at 9:00am at the intersection of Shore Road and Main Street.
• Entrants must be in parade position at the Shore Road staging area no later than 8:30am.

• For entrants wishing to park at the Monomoy Regional Middle School, shuttle buses will take you to Shore Road. This shuttle will run between 6:30am and 9:00am.
• Entrants who were not able to check-in and receive their parade packs prior to July 4 must check-in on the morning of July 4 th with a Parade Marshal stationed on Shore Road near the Chatham Town Fish Pier from 7:00am to 8:00am.
• Parade packs include the entrant’s position number which is needed for positioning at the staging area on Shore Road.
• The 8 ½” by 11” cards that identify your position number must be displayed on the LEFT side of your entry’s vehicle.
• In prior years, parade viewers have commented that they are interested in knowing the type of antique cars exhibited by some of our entrants. This year, we ask that antique car entrants put signage on either side of their cars, identifying the make, model and year of their car.
• It is essential to keep pace throughout the parade. Drivers should be instructed to stay within 3 car lengths of the vehicle they are following.
• Participants must remain grouped within parade boundaries or as directed by the Police or Parade Marshals. If the parade stops, participant groups must remain together. Unauthorized stops along the parade route are not permitted.
• This year, the parade route has been extended by approximately 300 yards, now finishing at the intersection of Crowell Road and Lake Street. Please do not stop and disembark participants before the finish line! Adhere to police and parade marshals’ instructions for exiting the parade area after reaching the finish line.

Parade Judging:

• To qualify for an award, the Entry must be consistent with the parade theme.
• All awards are determined solely at the discretion of the Judges.
• Entries are viewed by Judges along the parade route. The Judges’ reviewing stand is located on the lawn of the First United Methodist Church at the intersection of Main Street and Cross Street. Please do not stop here and delay the parade.
• Your Entry may win more than one award.
• All category award winners will receive a custom-designed engraved plaque which will be presented at an awards ceremony during a Select Board meeting later in July.

Parade Award Categories:

• 1^st Place – Overall Best Entry will be recognized by an engraved brass plaque on the Chatham Parade Trophy displayed at Town Hall.
•  2^nd Place Entry
•  3^rd Place Entry
• Best Youth Entry (participants under
  18 years old)
• Most Patriotic Entry
• Funniest Entry
• Best Family Entry
• Best Civic Entry
• Best Business Entry

When planning your entry, please keep in mind that the theme must be incorporated in a way the judges can see and understand in order to be eligible for prizes!

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE 2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE! YOUR INVOLVEMENT IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!

The Fourth of July and the nation’s Semiquincentennial are just about four months away, and Chatham is officially ready to celebrate 250 years of independence, ingenuity, and unmistakable hometown pride. After reviewing a truly impressive collection of creative and thoughtful submissions, the Independence Day Parade Committee is thrilled to announce the official theme for our Semiquincentennial Independence Day Parade!

“Anchored in Freedom: Timeless Tides & Traditions”

Submitted by Jennifer Patterson

Of all the strong entries that beautifully tied Chatham’s rich heritage with this once-in-a-lifetime national milestone, this one truly rose to the top. As noted by winning submitter, Jennifer Patterson, the theme “celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence while honoring the coastal heritage, enduring values, and guided by timeless tides and traditions that continue to shape our town today.” It perfectly captures both the patriotic spirit of the 250th anniversary while reflecting the unique coastal soul, traditions, and community pride that makes Chatham uniquely Chatham.

Parade participants will use the theme for inspiration to design their entries. Entries cannot be judged for prizes if they do not incorporate the theme in their entry! Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets of downtown Chatham for this year’s Independence Day Parade on Saturday, the Fourth of July.

Prize categories for float entries are posted online and the entry form will be available MARCH 25th. At that time you can go to the committee’s webpage, chathamparade.com, to register online.

Nominations for Parade Grand Marshal will be open April 15th and the decision will be announced in May.

We cannot wait to see how this theme comes to life in this year’s parade as we kick off a historic celebration.

Overall 1st Place   The Phillips Farm Family

Overall Second Place  Chatham Municipal Airport

Overall Third Place   Muto Construction

Best Family Entry   The Fitzgerald Family

Best Youth Entry   Charlotte and Violet Skinner

Most Patriotic Entry   Pogo Dave

Funniest Entry   Witches on the Water

Best Civic Entry   First Night Chatham

Best Business Entry   Mahi Gold

The Phillips Farm Family name will again be added to the Independence Day Parade trophy, and the other winners will each receive a plaque at the July 22nd Select Board meeting!

The committee would also like to acknowledge the following Honorable Mentions. They were outstanding but only a limited amount of awards are presented

The Chatham Squire and Squire Mobile

Northeast Portable Restrooms

The Magner Family

The Grateful Mug